Classic American Vegetarian Food (2024)

With a rich history and cultural influence, American cuisine has produced many iconic vegetarian dishes that are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. Let’s take a closer look at some classic American vegetarian foods that have become staples in households and restaurants across the country.

Classic American Vegetarian Food (1)

What is American Food?

When we think of American food, many iconic dishes come to mind – from burgers and fries to mac and cheese, and everything in between. But what exactly is American food? American cuisine is diverse and multifaceted, drawing on a rich culinary history that reflects the country’s cultural melting pot. Whether you’re craving hearty Southern comfort food, classic New York-style pizza, or innovative fusion dishes, American food has something to offer for every palate.

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American Food By Region

American cuisine is as diverse as its landscape and people, influenced by the rich history and culture of different regions across the country. First, let’s get to know the cuisines, region by region, as well as some of the most popular dishes. Then, we’ll get into traditionally vegetarian dishes!

Southern cuisine:

  • Fried chicken
  • Biscuits and gravy
  • Jambalaya
  • Gumbo
  • Shrimp and grits

Tex-Mex cuisine:

  • Tacos
  • Fajitas
  • Enchiladas
  • Nachos
  • Quesadillas

Appalachian cuisine:

  • Fried apple pies
  • Cornbread
  • Pinto beans and ham
  • Fried catfish
  • Sausage gravy and biscuits

Hawaiian cuisine:

  • Poke
  • Kalua pork
  • Lomi salmon
  • Spam musubi
  • Haupia (coconut pudding)

Southwest cuisine:

  • Green chile stew
  • Navajo tacos
  • Chimichangas
  • Carne asada
  • Menudo

Cajun and Creole cuisine:

  • Gumbo
  • Red beans and rice
  • Jambalaya
  • Crawfish étouffée
  • Po’ boys

Puerto Rican cuisine:

  • Arroz con gandules
  • Mofongo
  • Pasteles
  • Tostones
  • Empanadillas

Chesapeake Bay cuisine:

  • Steamed crabs
  • Crab cakes
  • Oysters Rockefeller
  • Clam chowder
  • Smith Island cake

Midwest cuisine:

  • Chicago-style deep-dish pizza
  • Hotdish (casserole)
  • Cincinnati chili
  • Cheese curds
  • Bratwurst

Pacific Northwest cuisine:

  • Cedar-plank salmon
  • Clam chowder
  • Dungeness crab
  • Marionberry pie
  • Rainier cherries

California cuisine:

  • Fish tacos
  • Kale chips
  • Cioppino (seafood stew)
  • Chia pudding
  • Avocado toast

New England cuisine:

  • Lobster rolls
  • Clam chowder
  • Baked beans
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Boston cream pie

Floribbean cuisine:

  • Jerk chicken
  • Key lime pie
  • Fried plantains
  • Cuban sandwiches
  • Conch fritters
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American Vegetarian Food

For vegetarians and vegans, finding classic American dishes that don’t include meat can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not – here’s a list of 23 classic vegetarian American foods that are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and satisfied!

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A classic American sandwich made with melted cheese between two slices of bread, often grilled or toasted until crispy and golden brown.

2. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a traditional side dish made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, often served during holidays and special occasions.

3. Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are a Southern American dish made with a cornmeal batter that is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown, often served as a side dish or appetizer.

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4. Corn On The Cob

A simple yet delicious side dish made with fresh ears of corn that are boiled or grilled and served with butter and salt.

5. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a classic American dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh peaches and a sweet, buttery topping, it’s a comforting and delicious treat that’s sure to please everyone.

6. Red Beans and Rice

A traditional Louisiana dish made with red beans, rice, and a variety of seasonings and spices, often served as a main dish or side dish.

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7. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

A classic American sandwich made with peanut butter and jelly between two slices of bread, often a popular choice for kids’ lunches.

8. Macaroni and Cheese

A classic American comfort food made with macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs and baked in the oven.

9. New York Pizza

New York pizza is famous for its thin slices, crispy crust, and delicious combination of high-quality ingredients. Whether enjoyed on the go or as a sit-down meal, it is a classic American dish that is loved by many.

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10. Chow Chow

A traditional southern American relish made with chopped vegetables like cabbage, peppers, and onions, pickled in vinegar, and served as a condiment. You can find a recipe for fermented chow chow in my book Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook.

11. Pecan Pie

A traditional Southern American dessert made with a filling of pecans, sugar, and corn syrup, baked in a pie crust, and served with whipped cream or ice cream.

13. Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is a classic American dish that’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Made with elbow macaroni, mayo, and a variety of veggies and seasonings, it’s a creamy and satisfying side dish that’s sure to please a crowd.

14. Tomato Soup

A classic American soup made with tomatoes, cream, and seasonings, often served with grilled cheese sandwiches or crackers.

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15. Black Eyed Peas

A traditional southern American dish made with black-eyed peas often served with rice. Sometimes seasoned with ham hocks traditionally, so be certain to omit for the vegetarian version.

16. S’mores

A classic American campfire treat made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, often toasted over an open flame. Use gelatin-free vegetarian marshmallows!

17. Apple Pie

A classic American dessert made with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a pastry crust, often served with vanilla ice cream.

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18. Sweet Potato Casserole

A traditional southern American side dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, topped with marshmallows, and baked until golden brown. Use gelatin-free vegetarian marshmallows.

19. Fried Okra

A southern American dish made with okra that is battered and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown, often served as a side dish or appetizer.

20. Creamed Spinach

A classic American side dish made with spinach that is cooked in a cream sauce. Classic comfort food!

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21. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that has become popular across the United States. Made with firm, unripe tomatoes, and a crispy cornmeal coating, they’re a delicious appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

22. Cornbread

Cornbread is a Southern American bread made with cornmeal and baked until golden brown often served with butter or honey.

23. Vegetable Pot Pie

A hearty American dish made with vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes, baked in a pastry crust until golden brown and bubbly.

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All images in this post, with the exclusion of hush puppies(shot by me), are courtesy ofDepositphotos.

Classic American Vegetarian Food (2024)

FAQs

What is the ovo vegetarian diet? ›

What is an ovo-vegetarian diet? An ovo-vegetarian diet excludes all animal-based foods except for eggs. Meat, poultry, fish, or dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are eliminated, but whole eggs, egg whites, and egg-containing foods like mayonnaise, egg noodles, and certain baked goods are permitted.

What food is in the vegetarian pyramid? ›

The 5 major plant-based food groups (whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds) form the trapezoid-shaped lower portion of the pyramid. Four optional food groups (vegetable oils, dairy products, eggs, and sweets) form the smaller, separate, triangle-shaped top portion of the pyramid.

What are the 3 most common reasons people in the United States become vegetarian? ›

People become vegetarians for many reasons, including health, religious convictions, concerns about animal welfare or the use of antibiotics and hormones in livestock, or a desire to eat in a way that avoids excessive use of environmental resources.

What does the American Vegetarian Society define vegetarians as people who eat _____? ›

According to the Vegetarian Society, vegetarians are people who do not eat the products or byproducts of animal slaughter. Vegetarians do not consume: meat, such as beef, pork, and game. poultry, such as chicken, turkey, and duck.

What is the difference between lacto ovo and vegan? ›

Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry, but allow dairy products and eggs. Pescatarian diets exclude meat and poultry, dairy, and eggs, but allow fish. Vegan diets exclude meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy products, as well as foods that contain these products.

What are the disadvantages of the ovo-vegetarian diet? ›

Although an ovo-vegetarian diet can be healthy, you may miss out on certain nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B12 if you do not eat animal products.

Do vegetarians eat eggs? ›

Well, the short answer is yes! Unless they are vegan (meaning they don't eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals), some vegetarians do eat eggs and belong to a group known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians which according to the Vegetarian Society is the most common type of meatless diet.

Which is the No 1 vegetarian country in the world? ›

India has the highest number of vegetarians in the world, with around 38% of the population following a vegetarian diet. India also has the lowest meat consumption rate in the world.

What foods are surprisingly vegetarian? ›

Top Accidentally Vegan Foods
  • Cinnamon Life.
  • Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.
  • SkinnyPop White Cheddar Flavored Popped Popcorn.
  • Airheads.
  • Cracker Jack.
  • Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili–Flavored Tortilla Chips.
  • Fritos.
  • Fruit by the Foot.

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

What is the only animal food that an ovo vegetarian will consume? ›

Explanation: An ovo-vegetarian will consume eggs and food with egg as ingredients. Unlike vegans, ovo-vegetarians include eggs as a source of protein and nutrients in their diets but refrain from consuming meat and dairy products.

What culture has the most vegetarian food? ›

India. Three of India's major religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism — teach the practice of ahimsa, or non-violence towards all beings. Because of this religious tradition, India has the highest percentage of vegetarians out of all the countries in the world.

What is a vegetarian who eats only plant foods? ›

A vegan diet is another form of vegetarianism where only plant foods are eaten and all foods from animal sources are avoided (meat, seafood, dairy, eggs and sometimes honey and gelatine).

What is the healthiest diet in the world? ›

Mediterranean Diet, DASH Diet, and MIND Diets Are the Best Diets of 2024. All three diets are highly recommended by doctors because of their known health benefits. “The Mediterranean eating plan doesn't have a set calorie range or portion guidelines, which is why it can fit almost anyone's needs.

Do vegetarians eat butter? ›

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter, are included. Ovo-vegetarian diets exclude meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products, but allow eggs. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry, but allow dairy products and eggs.

Why do people quit vegetarianism? ›

To sum it up, many vegetarians and vegans choose to let go of their non-meat diet for multiple reasons: health, impulse, life events, and mood shifts.

What do you call someone who is mostly vegetarian? ›

Another fairly recent dietary word is flexitarian, a person who follows a mostly vegetarian diet but occasionally eats meat or fish.

What is a true vegetarian called? ›

Strict vegetarians, or vegans, eat plant foods and reject all animal products—meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and sometimes honey. Those who also eat dairy products are called lacto vegetarians. Vegetarians who eat both dairy and eggs are called lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Can a vegetarian eat cheese? ›

Vegetarians choose not to eat meat, poultry, or seafood but often consume non-meat animal products (NMAPs), such as cheese, eggs, and milk, that can be derived from intensive farming, a process critics claim is cruel.

What is a level 5 vegan? ›

Level 5 vegans are those who are seen as incredibly committed to the vegan lifestyle, and are often hailed as “extreme vegans”. Level 5 vegans go to an extensive effort to follow a vegan lifestyle that is free of any type of animal product or animal exploitation.

What is a demi vegetarian? ›

Definition of 'demi-vegetarian'

1. a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat. adjective. 2. denoting a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat.

What is a no meat no dairy diet called? ›

Vegan: No meats or eggs plus no milk, dairy foods (such as cheese, yogurt and ice cream), ingredients made from milk (such as whey and casein) or honey. Vegans in particular tend to have lower BMIs, have lower cholesterol and blood pressure and subsequent a reduced risk of heart disease.

Which breakfast would be acceptable to serve an ovo-vegetarian? ›

Therefore, they would eat scrambled eggs as a breakfast protein option. However, they would not eat bacon because it is a meat product. A cheese and vegetable omelette would also be a suitable choice for an ovo-vegetarian, as it does not contain any meat but includes eggs for protein.

Can ovo vegetarians eat chocolate? ›

For example, milk chocolate is not suitable for vegans and certain vegetarians (ovo-vegetarians).

What is it called when you don't eat red meat but eat chicken? ›

A pollotarian is a semi-vegetarian who eats only poultry and cuts red meat and pork from their diet. Health benefits that may be associated with becoming a pollotarian include a lowered risk of certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. A pollotarian is someone who eats poultry but not red meat or pork products.

Do ovo vegetarians eat honey? ›

Lacto vegetarians eat dairy products and honey, but do not eat meat, fish or eggs. Ovo-vegetarians eat eggs and honey, but not dairy products, meat and fish. Vegans completely reject animal products of any kind. This includes both fish and meat as well as dairy products, eggs and honey.

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